SOLA // Students of Landscape Architecture

In Australia, Landscape Architecture is a fairly new profession is a relatively young profession under that title, and it continues to evolve.

In this first chapter, we start with a simple but big question: what is landscape architecture now?

We dive into what the profession means today, hearing from landscape architects of different backgrounds, experiences, and paths. Because the definition isn’t one-size fits all- its shaped by people, place and practice.

If you’ve ever tried explaining what you study to your family and ended up saying “it’s kind of like architecture... but not really” this one’s for you.

Check out Talking Landscape Architecture on Spotify!

What started as a bunch of curious questions wanting to explore and understand the world of practice has grown into something we’re incredibly proud and excited to share with you.

Talking Landscape Architecture is our new pilot podcast created to connect students and industry closer. It’s honest conversations, real experiences, lessons from the field- the stuff you don’t always learn as a student.

This has been a fun little project we put together last year, and it’s finally out in the world.

Check out Talking Landscape Architecture on Spotify!

There is more coming soon!

Reflecting back on some of our favourite moments as .unimelb’s committee this year (and more that we don’t have photos of - We need to take more photos!)

✨we are recruiting for SOLA 2026 committee! If you want to be part of this in 2026, here is your sign - link is in our bio to our EOI form (express your interest!) ✨

A GIGANTIC thank you to everyone we’ve worked with this year - our industry night collab friends and , LA Course Coordinator and angel Wendy Walls, our podcast guests Mark, Bridget and Jillian, .victoria education committee, Bede and James for their portfolio tips, sola alumni Shurong, Ray, and James (again!),

Looking for a summer subject and interested in heat and climate? This Jan-Feb intensive is run by Dr Wendy Walls. More info below or search in the handbook.

ABPL90380 DESIGNING FOR HEAT IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN

📍Teaching dates:
19 Jan 13 Feb 2026
In person Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday’s
Final hand-in 18th February

📍Contact: Wendy Walls
[email protected]

By 2030 Melbourne’s climate will be radically different. Projections range from more extreme heat through to rising humidity levels.

Working with issues of heat and thermal comfort for designing the public domain, this intensive will speculate on how relationships between the natural and built environment can be used to design for new climate realties. Outcomes from the subject will include a designed urban space for community, education and energy production.

Phase one of the subject will test microclimate performance using simulation, data and onsite investigations. Phase two provides the opportunity to develop a site responsive scheme working with thermo-dynamic relationships to create a year-round inhabitable space. This intensive is open to design students (architecture, landscape architecture and urban design) and planners.

✨What a night! ✨
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Landscape Architecture Industry Night 2025.
From warm welcomes and icebreakers to meaningful chats and plenty of laughs, it was inspiring to see students, graduates, and professionals all in one space.
A huge shoutout to the incredible firms and organisations who came along to support the next generation of landscape architects: TCL, Jeavons Landscape Architects, Tract, City of Melbourne, Mala, Beveridge Williams, ASPECT Studios, AILA, SMEC, Parks Victoria, Urbis, AECOM, and Ratio Consultants.
Big love to SOLA x SLAB x AILA Fresh for pulling this all together and to everyone who made the night a success.
Here’s to more connections, collaborations, and growing ✨

Please join us for Landscape Industry Night 2025 hosted collaboratively by .unimelb x x

This event will be a convergence of our local landscape community, showcasing the multiplicity of practice and projects in our profession. We’ll be sowing conversations around work, values and visions in Landscape Architecture.

Our Industry Night will connect students, graduates and professionals, while not focussed specifically on hiring opportunities, but rather an opportunity to connect with professionals and explore the diversity of the profession.

📅 Date: 19th September Friday
⏱️Time: 6pm-8.30 pm
📍Location: Market Hall, Unimelb

Sign-up Form can be found in our bio. Fill-in to save your spot now!

Something exciting is cooking 🥳
Save the date!!!

It’s that time of the yearr!!!
To get your portfolios ready and start applying for your dream jobs.

Learn what makes a good portfolio ✨✨✨
Tips for applying to jobs ✨✨
Feedback session ✨✨✨✨✨

Date: 16th May
Time: 6pm

✨Travelling Studio Indonesia Applications

You tube Video 🎥
https://youtu.be/BnBgSJ_wIu8?si=IQiPRceKA4n_h9Nq

For more info ℹ️
https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/current-students/subject-information/travelling-studios/2024-travelling-studios/travelling-studio-indonesia-studio-co-urban/_recache

✨UpComing event: Panel discussion at Edible Urban Furniture exhibition on ‘Future of Urban Food systems’

📅 Date: 8th April

Venue: Singapore Theatre, Basement

Book your spot now!!

🔗Link:
https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/events/exhibitions/edible-urban-futures-exhibition/why-arent-we-doing-this-now-rethinking-food-systems-for-urban-futures

Hey everyone! 🌿

Let’s kick off the new semester with some coffee and good vibes! ☕️ Join us for an afternoon catch-up at the MSD Standing Room (meet us by the South Lawn entrance) on Monday, March 24th at 3 PM.

Whether you’re a familiar face or a new one, we can’t wait to see you there and chat about all things! 🌳✨

See you soon! 👋